Carry On Regardless

From The Rug Company (and on my wishlist ...)

Hello everyone - how are you? I'm packing, and ridiculously excited at the prospect of a whirlwind few days in the UK for the launch of 'The Beauty Chorus'. As well as the launch party, there are interviews coming up across the UK, so if you're at home, do tune in!

Saturday 9th April: 10.30am, BBC Radio Berkshire

Monday 11th April: 10.4am BBC Radio Leeds; 11.00am BBC Radio Manchester; 11.30am BBC Radio Solent; 12.00pm BBC Radio Bristol; BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Sussex - the Roy Noble show.

I can't wait to be in England for a few days - we haven't been home since November. I imagine the whole country is in full Royal Wedding frenzy by now. I've been thinking a lot about what it means to be British, living out here - all those slightly old-fashioned qualities we take for granted (our ability to queue, our general politeness, our 'stiff upper lip'). In the flying circles that 'The Beauty Chorus' is set in, the ability to 'carry on regardless' was prized. That perseverance stands you in good stead as a writer, and that's what I talked to Cally Taylor about today on the blog tour, over at Writing About Writing. Cally is the bestselling author of the fabulous paranormal romance 'Heaven Can Wait' (Orion), and her blog is a treasure trove of writing tips and advice - have fun.